The goal of "Nonprofit Conversation" is to provide a forum for discussion of nonprofit success and challenges. Bunnie Riedel (host) provides advice, observations and solutions for the nonprofit community. Guest bloggers will be invited to share their ideas and interviews will be conducted with nonprofit executives, board members and other experts in an effort to create a "conversation."

Friday, January 14, 2011

I recently received a question from a reader regarding how to build a prospective membership database.It seems the organization did not keep good records and he was trying to sort it out.But he also wondered how they could get prospect names for potential membership.If you just don’t have a very good prospect list, there are several things you can do to get started.

Buy a list from a similar organization.

In this instance, the organization was a small community historical museum.I would look at similar kinds of organizations in the community, such as the other types of museums.Are there other types of historical “societies” in the community, such as Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), railroad societies, antique car clubs, genealogy clubs, etc?Any group, association or organization that may have an interest in history.Can you buy a list of their members?In instances where like minded organizations already have established lists, there is often “list sharing” that goes on.

Some organizations might be hesitant to turn over their lists, feeling somewhat territorial or afraid of losing members to the other organization.I understand that fear, however, I know from practical experience that cross pollinization of organizations has the opposite effect.Between two or three or more organizations that sell or trade lists, memberships or donations actually increase.For example, I support a horse rescue farm and my husband supports the local humane society.Our goal is exactly the same, to help do what we can to alleviate animal suffering and encourage animal adoption.It would never occur to us to choose one or the other, we think both are important.

Partner with a similar organization.

Host an event at your organization for the members of another organization.Think of the example of the historical museum.What if they host the annual meeting for the members of the railroad society or the antique car club?They will have accomplished a couple of things, first they will have built good will with the other organization, becoming real “partners” with them and they’ll have gotten all those members into their museum.

You can easily capture the attendee’s names and contact information by hosting a raffle or drawing and having them write down their contact information and put it in bowl.This is something you see all the time at trade shows, vendors raffling away gifts to those who leave their business cards.

Look at affiliation benefits.Here the museum offers a discount to members of the railroad society on tickets or gift shop purchases.Perhaps you create a coupon that they have to fill out with their contact information in order to get the discount.Or you provide cross membership benefits “If you become a member of the railroad society you will receive a year’s membership in the historical museum for half price,” or vice-versa.

Host a conference together.Or offer discounts on your conference to their members and again, vice-versa.

Trade advertising in each other’s newsletters or on your website.If online, make sure the click-through includes a sign up form.

Buy a table or a booth at similar organizations’ conferences or meetings. Make sure you’re giving something away, even if it’s a discount coupon. Again, capture those names by hosting a raffle or drawing.

Enlist those already affiliated with your organization.

I love “member-get-a-member” campaigns.That’s when you ask your members to bring in new members.If you sweeten the pot, say offer a premium for every member they bring in or offer a contest with a really great grand prize, your success will be better.

Has everyone on your board turned over their address list yet?They should.Or at the very least, they should send a letter to their friends and colleagues asking them to join or support your organization.I would provide your board members with the sample letter, outside and return envelopes.

Finally…

There are a lot of great minds out there that read this blog. Please post your suggestions and comments below.

9 comments:

Bunnie,And one often overlooked but right under your nose membership recruitment source -- the people who come to your events or visit your facility. It's always amazing to me when we are developing membership programs for clients how often they don't ask the people who know them best!

Nonprofits that really get list-building into their DNA and collect contacts in all forms, in all places, will build the best lists over time. Audit every form. Think of every way and time that you touch or talk to supporters. Are you giving them a chance to connect with you in new ways, whether it's snail mail, email, social media, etc.?

Terrific ideas for list-building. It's also important to be conscientious with the list, be timely with your first touch-back and follow safe-unsubscribe and opt-in practices. Email services like Constant Contact and Mail Chimp have several articles and suggestions to keep your email from being marked as spam.

I loved all of your suggestions. I think it still comes down to plain word-of-mouth. Get those already actively engaged in your organization to spread the word to those they know would appreciate the cause. I loved your idea of sweetening the pot in this case. Most of all, they just have to be patient- you have to start somewhere but a great list takes time to evolve.

Bunnie, you are on the mark when you advice collecting names at events. That is a strategy that can't go away once a list is built. It is amazing how many supporters can be developed if the relationship starts during an event.

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